Certificate in Information Technology

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 8 out of the top 10 jobs projected to grow the fastest between 2000 and 2010 will be computer-related occupations. The prospects for information technology (IT) workers in the D.C. area are particularly strong. Washington, D.C. has more high-tech workers and companies than any other region (Washington Board of Trade), and sales from IT firms headquartered here represent 11% of the total IT industry (The Potomac Knowledgeway). Program participants are ensured of a particularly relevant education, as the certificate course work is patterned on curriculum guidelines developed by three premier IT associations - the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), the Association for Information Systems (AIS), and the Association of Information Technology Professionals (AITP) - and endorsed by five others.

Who Would Most Benefit?

CUA's Certificate in Information Technology provides an ideal education to those interested in developing a career in information technology, or to those who just want to become familiar with the technology available to, and used by, organizations.Those who already hold a bachelor's degree in a non-technical area will find that the program provides them with a background similar to that received by graduates of bachelor's programs in information technology, which is the academic background most desired by IT employers.Students who ultimately want to pursue a bachelor's degree at MSPS will typically be able to apply credits earned through the certificate program toward degree requirements.

Requirements

To earn the Certificate, students must complete ten courses (30 credits) with a grade of "C" or better.Students are expected to enter the program with adequate knowledge of basic computer concepts and microcomputer applications (MS Office Suite), or they will be required to complete prerequisite courses (i.e., "Introduction to Computers" and "Microcomputer Applications I/II").Students who have already completed similar courses at other institutions may apply for transfer credit, but they must take a minimum of eight courses at CUA to be eligible for the certificate.

Schedule

Courses are offered in the evenings, in a blend of traditional, accelerated formats, and online formats.Each course typically meets one evening per week, with most students taking two or three courses per term.The program may usually be completed in one and a half to two years.

Gainful Employment Data

The Department of Education requires that schools post Gainful Employment Data for certain types of programs, including this one. The required information on this program is available here.